Category Archives for "Travel Tips"

I’m on the ship, on the Danube and I can’t hear a thing. Stretched out on the bed, one wall has become a window, thrown wide open to ooze in the summer from floor to ceiling with a light, tingling breeze. The slow ripples of the river cruise past, soft and supple, a soulful slinking procession of jade.

Here’s the ultimate detailed travel packing list to suit every situation. Seriously. We’re assuming nothing and cover luggage, visas, medication and what to wear while travelling and I’ve organised it into a streamlined system so no-one gets overwhelmed.

I love the concept of regional flights and fly from my local airport, Cardiff, whenever I can. Queues are often shorter, airports friendlier and most important of all: there’s less time trekking to the airport, more time in the destination.

Here’s my list of the best cabin luggage, updated each year, and screened by other travel experts just in case I’m losing my touch.

Well known for their stylish design and funky airport lounges, Virgin call their business class The Upper Class Suite. It even has an honest-to-god, stand-up bar.

But what is it like to fly business class with Virgin Atlantic? And, truthfully, is it worth it?

You need these for a walking holiday. Experience has spoken.

Mastering long haul flightsWhether it’s your first long haul flight or you’ve notched up more hours in the giant metallic cigar than you have in a real bed, everyone loves some good long haul flight tips. Over a decade of professional travel, I’ve accumulated plenty and yet I’m always keen to hear more. Why? Because a […]

Getting off the beaten track. Or path, if you’re American. It’s at once the holy grail of travel, the kernel of truth at the core, and simultaneously a phrase of disdain or a cliché as overused as a hand sanitizer pump in an infectious disease ward (side note, I used to work as doctor.)

But how do you get off the beaten track? And then how do you get back on?!

I fly a lot. I mean, a lot. Here’s my review of British Airways Business Class, or as they call it, Club World.

Best spas in the worldThe Best Spas in the World, 2019A combination of good fortune, hard work and a devilishly tricky spine have led me to seek out spa treatments all around the world. But what is it that makes a good spa great? What makes it one of the best in the world? Quick Navigation The […]

Whether or not you have checked luggage when you fly, what you pack in your carry on can make all the difference to how well your trip goes. Not only to the flight itself but also to the start of the trip should the airline lose your luggage. Here’s our inside guide to carry on essentials and what to bring in your hand luggage.

Although I hate the word, I love the concept. A babymoon offers a wonderful chance for you and your partner to spend some restful time together before the whirlwind of parenthood begins.

Away from everyday trials and tribulations, you can relax, enjoy yourselves and indulge in dreamy conversations about how (you think) you’ll parent before reality kicks in ;-)

Canyoning. Turning a noun into a sport and a canyon into a playground. Some places call it canyoneering but the premise is the same. Here’s what to wear canyoning and what to bring with you. Updated 2019.

I’ve driven through snowy mountains, desert sands, congested capitals and remote plains in more than 40 countries, often alone, and I’ve made almost every mistake you can think of. Luckily, you don’t have to do the same.

Learn from me, and plan the perfect driving holiday – anywhere in the world.

From dreaming about a trip, planning a trip, writing up a trip and reviewing trips for work, it’s hard to find a day when I’m not zig-zagging across various travel websites.

I’m also honoured to be a regular contributor to The Independent’s 50 Best Travel Websites feature since 2013 as well.

 Where are the best places to travel with a baby?Professional travelling parents share their experiences in this handy, practical guide.Updated 2019Where are the best places to go with a baby?On some days, let’s be honest, it feels as though the answer is “nowhere.” The tiredness, the packing lists, the changes of clothes and the thought […]

With the right travel toys for toddlers, a flight can switch from misery to merriment for all concerned. Here’s THE best travel toys for toddlers list 2019.

Tried and Tested Gifts for Travellers Find the perfect present for someone who travels a lot, someone about to go travelling and someone who travels for work. After years on the road, in each of these situations, here’s what I’d recommendIf you book or buy through the links on this page, we may earn a […]

 The Osprey Transporter 120 promises to be the adventure-proof wheelie (in other words the adventure option for those who like their adventure with creature comforts.) Here we put it to the test. First, a bit about bags. Then read on for the full Osprey Transporter review.Disclosure: if you buy through the links on this page, […]

This article on the best hikes in the world comes from people who should know: certified mountain guides who do this for a living. Lace up your boots!

Don’t be afraid to travel the world with your baby. Find the best baby travel gear and top tips on how to fly with a baby right here and take to the skies with a smile.

It’s probably fair to say that I am one of the world’s worst sleepers. A dog barks outside, I’m awake. A baby cries, I’m up for the rest of the night.

The condition known as “flying with toddler” can present with a constellation of symptoms such as fear, anxiety, dread and an impending sense of doom. And that’s just for the other passengers, never mind the parents!

Well, never fear, I am here!

THE BEST TRAVEL APPS 2018 Travel apps can simplify your life but they can also be gimmicky, clunky and clog up your phone. Here’s a tried and thoroughly tested list of the best travel apps out there. The World Before Travel Apps It’s hard to believe that when I started travelling, not only did we […]

Where is hot in February? Updated 2020February. That short, bouncy month that treats itself to the occasional leap year and which is STILL COLD in the northern hemisphere. When it comes to the best places to visit in February, the world offers up a travel smorgasbord or opportunities. But where is hot in February? That’s trickier […]

How to avoid sunburn and find sunburn relief How to Avoid Sunburn in 10 Essential Steps (And Find Sunburn Relief if That Fails!) Let’s face it, we’d all like to know how to avoid sunburn, wherever we are in the world.   Even blustery Britain excels in stealth sunburn moments, leaving the unsuspecting in stinging need of […]

Pregnancy travel tips based on flying to Italy, Croatia, Spain and the Middle East as a doctor during a fairly tricky pregnancy. This isn’t a “go everywhere!” guide nor one encouraging you to stay at home. But (hopefully) a thoughtful, helpful look at the realities of travelling while pregnant. I spoke with many other women […]

You don’t need me to tell you that travel can be a wonderful thing. Nor do you need me to tell you that it can be stressful. Different time zones, tight deadlines, unfamiliar faces, places and rules can all combine to make travel feel more stressful than it needs to be.

  The airport at Williams Lake is the sort that apologises for being there. It’s a straightforward, humble affair with a waiting room the size of a doctor’s surgery and a runway reached by sole of foot on tarmac. It’s humble perhaps because it knows that passengers have just had the flight of their lives, […]

Having the right gear with you makes all the difference in the world when it comes to having a successful adventure travel holiday. This bike touring packing list sums up hours and hours on the saddle and on the road. But it’s not all hardcore. This packing list aims to help you enjoy your holiday […]